Parbandhak

Parbandhak is a term used in several South Asian languages, notably Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, that denotes a person or body entrusted with the management and upkeep of an endowment, temple, shrine, or charitable property. Etymologically from parbandh meaning maintenance and the agent noun suffix -ak, it literally means “one who maintains” or “protector.” In practice a parbandhak may be an individual or a committee responsible for financial administration, property management, collection and accounting of donations, arranging maintenance, and ensuring compliance with the institution's rules and by-laws.

The role is common in religious and charitable settings. In Hindu and Sikh communities, parbandhaks commonly oversee temples, shrines, or trusts; in Sikhism the term is widely used for the leadership of a Gurdwara management committee (often referred to as the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee), which administers the gurdwara's affairs, finances, and community programs. Similar structures exist for mosques, madrasas, and Hindu matha or durgah trusts in South Asia. Parbandhak appointments may be made by a community elected body, by patrons, or by the governing trust, and tenure varies by organization.

In legal terms, parbandhaks operate within the framework of charitable trusts and endowment laws, which govern their fiduciary duties, financial reporting, and asset management. The exact powers and scope of the role differ by jurisdiction and institution, but the core function remains stewardship of resources in the public or religious interest.